Originally scheduled to only stay at the National Mall through Aug. 23, the National Military Monument will now stick around Washington DC for months longer.
The monument, which allows guests to display the names of more than 41 million U.S. military veterans, has been a popular destination at the mall since it debuted in late July.
Sponsored by USAA, the two side-by-side installations in front of the Lincoln Memorial cycle through the names of the service members on the stripes of digital American flags.
On the ends of both monuments are smaller digital screens, where a USAA worker can illuminate the name of a guest's loved one who served in the military. Up to three names can be displayed at once.
“People are finding the names of their parents,
grandparents, friends, themselves and those they served alongside. Behind every one of those names is a story, a family and a sacrifice," Juan C. Andrade, President and CEO of USAA, said in a statement.
The monuments were only supposed to be at the National Mall for about four weeks, but they have now been extended through Veterans Day on Nov. 12.
Here's a look at what led to the extension.
National Military Monument extended after 'incredibly moving' response
More than 5 million names were searched for in the monument's first three weeks, according to USAA.
“The response has been incredibly moving, and we want more Americans to have the opportunity to come to the National Mall, find their connection and remember those who have served,” Andrade said.
With its extension, the monument will be around for several key dates — Labor Day, the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and Veterans Day.
The National Military Monument is the only monument in DC that honors military members who served after 2001.
USAA Communications Director Christian Bove said there have been long lines at the free installation, so they wanted to keep it around longer so more people would get the opportunity to find their loved ones on those important dates.
“Knowing that is a place where those service members are honored, those veterans are honored, and knowing that it would be up through Sept. 11, that was really important,” Bove told Reserve + National Guard Magazine.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Why the National Military Monument will stay longer in Washington DC
